Americana music encompasses many different strains of homegrown sounds. Professor Louie and the Crowmatrix have tapped into a number of those sounds on their compelling new album, Music From Hurley Mountain. Denizens of Woodstock, NY, the Crowmatrix, featuring Aaron Hurwitz – “Professor Louie” – and his songwriting partner “Miss Marie” Spinosa, grew together in the […]
Mayer’s Playlist for January 2016
ALBUM OF THE MONTH You’re Dreaming by The Cactus Blossoms There was a time when brotherly harmonies dominated the musical airwaves. From the Everly Brothers in pop to the Louvin Brothers in country, it was a sound that was both soothing and satisfying. Despite the fact that this music was a touchstone for many artists […]
The Twangville 2016 Release Preview, Boston Edition
One of the great things about living in Boston is all the great music that emanates from the musicians that call that area home. Here is just a sampling of the great music expected out of Boston and New England this year. BOUND TO MEET THE DEVIL by JULIE RHODES(26 February) Rhodes makes a statement […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2015
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2015 back in July (here and here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Get Better, Frank Turner (from the Xtra Mile Records release Positive Songs […]
Todd's Tops of 2015
Lists. Do they matter? Does anyone care anymore? In this day of Spotify, do we still need people pointing out what to listen to? Or do we need suggestions more than ever because of the volume of releases? I don’t know. All I know is that I find it fun to compile a list of […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2015
Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2015. All A Man Should DoLucero Maudlin DaysOcean Carolina Adventures in Real TimeDylan Gardner The Firewatcher’s DaughterBrandi Carlile Positive Songs For Negative PeopleFrank Turner The Spirit MovesLanghorne Slim and the Law Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night SweatsNathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats High On […]
Monday Morning Video – Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
There’s been, well, a bit of buzz around Nathaniel Rateliff. His recent Boston appearance was initially booked into a small club with a 240-person capacity but was moved to a room that holds more than 1,000. Even then, the show sold out quickly. The buzz is well-deserved as Rateliff and the band put on a […]
Monday Morning Video – Paris and Allen Toussaint
Music is – and should be – about joy and bringing people together. Even the sad songs. Friday’s events in Paris were heartbreaking and our thoughts go out to those who were affected by the attacks at the Eagles of Death Metal concert and throughout Paris. The week began with the sad passing of the […]
Undeniably Donnie – A Tribute to Funky Donnie Fritts
Muscle Shoals musician and journeyman Donnie Fritts is perhaps most immediately recognizable from his nearly 20 years touring and performing with Kris Kristofferson and appearing in a handful of films (including a trio of director Sam Peckinpah classics). Arguably his greatest talent, however, is as a songwriter. What does it say when an writer’s work […]
Mayer’s Playlist for October 2015, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Didn’t He Ramble, by Glen Hansard Hansard’s latest album is a journey. Across the album’s ten tracks, Hansard takes the listener on a quest for happiness and contentment. Not surprisingly the journey is a meandering one, filled with hopes both realized and dashed. The album begins with a rather defiant tone […]